Reusable Bayesian Models and Workflow for LAI Estimation in Poplar Systems: Pre-release

Code, fitted models and data accompanying the article Age-dependent canopy development reveals canopy-closure transitions in short-rotation poplar plantations (Bascietto, Bergante, Chiarabaglio and Chianucci, Forestry, accepted for publication). The archive contains: Bayesian Age-Moderated Linear (AML) and Phenology-Adaptive Spline (PAS) models of plot-level LAI fitted with NDVI, EVI and remotely sensed (SL2P) LAI from Sentinel-2; the independent validation dataset and the R script that computes the validation metrics; the Google Earth Engine scripts that derive the remotely sensed predictors, with the calibration and validation plot locations. The workflow can be applied to new sites, refitted with local data and extended to other vegetation indices.